Sister Caritas Cancer Center rated ‘outstanding’

The Sister Caritas Cancer Center at Mercy Medical Center has been selected by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons as a recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award which recognizes cancer programs that strive for excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients.

The center is one of a select group of 90 accredited cancer programs across the United States to earn this recognition. The center’s cancer program was granted “three-year accreditation with commendation” from the commission in 2010, after demonstrating a “commendation” level of performance regarding one or more standards that represent the full scope of the cancer program. Cancer programs that attain “commendation” level accreditation are eligible for consideration for the achievement award.

The award was presented following an on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor in 2010, which evaluated all components of the hospital’s cancer program including clinical services, research, community outreach, quality improvement, cancer data management, and cancer committee leadership.

“It’s important to note that participation in this rigorous evaluation is voluntary and reflects the overwhelming commitment of our cancer program team to provide our cancer patients with comprehensive care,” said Dr. Catherine Carton, medical director of the center and chairperson of the cancer program, adding she is “proud to work side-by-side with every member of our team.”

Daniel P. Moen, president and chief executive officer for the Sisters of Providence Health System, said the award “reflects the hard work and dedication of the Cancer Center’s entire staff of professionals.”

The center was also awarded a three-year accreditation in radiation oncology by the American College of Radiology in 2010.